KUALA LUMPUR – Telco companies are almost ready to complete their share subscription agreements (SSA) for equity shareholdings with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) by June 21, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi said a meeting was held yesterday to ensure that all plans for the dual 5G network system are completed and in order, which is to be followed by a meeting between DNB and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The meeting yesterday was to examine several aspects, to ensure all plans are complete and in order, while also giving more emphasis on the enterprise (sectors), as the 5G network can benefit these sectors most,” he told reporters at NCT Alliance’s junior badminton championship finale here today.
“A follow-up meeting between DNB and MCMC (will be held) today, and I see that the telco firms are almost, or are already ready, to sign or complete their equity shareholdings in DNB. We expect this to (happen) by June 21.”
On May 21, Fahmi said the MCMC would soon announce a tender process allowing mobile network operators (MNOs) to bid for the dual 5G network system.
However, the MNOs must complete their SSA processes for their equity shareholdings with DNB within 20 days.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the implementation process of the network system would take some time, as all parties must address several matters such as regulation, document preparation, and tender processes.
“But I believe that on June 21, the telco firms will complete their SSA processes, and we will witness the official start of the process of dual 5G network system in the nation,” he said.
Asked whether the dual network system can be completed by this year, Fahmi said it would depend on the participants of the process and aspects of their business plans. – June 2, 2024